Driving

(From Energy Savings Trust Website)

It's called eco-driving, and we've calculated that driving this way could save
you an average of £120 a year in petrol or diesel. And with fuel prices rising
all the time, eco-driving could save you even more in the future.
Adopting an eco-driving style is easy. And once you've mastered it, not
only will you start to make real savings, but you'll also be doing your bit for
the environment.
That's because eco-driving means driving your car more efficiently. Doing
this means your car will produce less carbon dioxide (CO2), the main gas
contributing to climate change.
Remember to follow the steps below and you'll soon be saving money and
reducing your car's impact on the environment.

• Check your revs - change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) and
2,000rpm (diesel).

• Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp
acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces
accident rates.

• Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel
consumption.

• The most efficient speed depends upon the car in question but is
typically around 55 - 65mph. Faster speed will greatly increase your
fuel consumption.

• Drive away immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the
engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.

• Accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers, and roof boxes
significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel
efficiency, so remember to remove them when not in use.

• Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much
fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.

• Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, road works and getting
lost.

• Check your tyre pressure regularly - under-inflated tyres are
dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.

• If you're stuck in a jam or queue, switch the engine off if you expect
to be there for more than a minute or two. Cutting the engine will
save fuel and reduce emissions.